In the United States, we are obsessed with girth. Bigger and bolder is better. In the 60s and 70s, a truck was basic, functional, and had just 2 doors . You got one to get the job done. Fast forward 40 years and you see 4 door, lifted trucks taking over. Hummer even became a big brand in the suburbs, where the terrain is oh so rugged. We need size !
This holds true with motorcycles as well. My 1980 GS550 comes in at a load of 430 pounds.
In 1950, a Harley Davidson Hydra Glide weighed in at a little over 550 lbs. A 2019 Road Glide loads the scale down with over 850 lbs.
We are so accustom to seeing these big/fat bikes that to roll on anything else you might develop a complex. But why?
Vanity, Keeping up with the Jones, or whatever you want to call it. Bigger is better.
Around the world, the number one bike is made in India. Royal Enfield. They sell more bikes in 11 days as all other motorcycles in the United States in a year. There bikes , by most American definitions, would look like starter or girls bikes. Engine sizes no larger than 500cc. Let that sink in a bit.
In 2016-2017 India sold 17.59 million motorcycles!
For the Love
Riding a motorcycle is both about function and fascination. Bikes that are loaded with features, bags, massive tires and tanks, and fairings offer no more motomadness than does a 500 pound middleweight bike that can take you across the country. If you were to poll riders in India and China and those in the USA , you would find many similarities.
- The love of the road
- The open air
- The simplicity of the machine
Media Blitz
Watch any motoblog or rider channel for a few minutes on YouTube and you’ll here a comment about the bike “being too small” or “I’m a big guy, I need a big bike”. This is maybe partially true. I’m 6’2″. Thats not small by anyone’s definition. However the only gripe I had was on an open interstate highway, i wished I had a bit more power. After a long 700 mile weekend trip, that was really the only gripe. On a SMALL BIKE.
Guys need a bigger bike just like they need an F350 instead of a Ranger. How they are perceived (unless they need the capacity of a huge truck for work/business that is)
Riding motorcycles is about function, freedom, and fun. Don’t let someone other than you define your moto goals.
Keep riding . Whatever you ride, just have fun, take pride, and be safe.